Dynamic decision sequencing method and apparatus for optimizing a diagnostic test plan

ABSTRACT

A dynamic diagnostic plan generator arranges diagnostic test procedures related to a vehicle symptom or operational problem in a sequence based on a probabilistic Failure Mode and Effects Analysis (FMEA). The diagnostic plan generator also tracks a vehicle state, and provides instructions for test preparation steps and instructions for performing the diagnostic test procedures. The plan generator further generates schematic illustrations of the diagnostic test procedures, and creates a diagnostic data structure containing information related to the diagnostic test procedures. In addition, the diagnostic plan generator sends and receives information regarding actual failure mode occurrences, for example, to and from a central database. Furthermore, the diagnostic plan generator facilitates the creation of failure mode tests by an expert diagnostics author.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to diagnostic equipment. Moreparticularly, the present invention relates to the generation ofoptimized diagnostic test plans, such as vehicle diagnostic test plans,for diagnostic systems.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Diagnostic systems are used by technicians and professionals invirtually all industries to perform basic and advanced system testingfunctions. For example, in the automotive, trucking, heavy equipment andaircraft industries, diagnostic test systems provide for vehicle onboardcomputer fault or trouble code display, interactive diagnostics,multiscope and multimeter functions, and electronic service manuals. Inthe medical industry, diagnostic systems provide for monitoring bodyfunctions and diagnosis of medical conditions, as well as systemdiagnostics to detect anomalies in the medical equipment.

In many industries, diagnostic systems play an increasingly importantrole in manufacturing processes, as well as in maintenance and repairthroughout the lifetime of the equipment or product. Some diagnosticsystems are based on personal computer technology and featureuser-friendly, menu-driven diagnostic applications. These systems assisttechnicians and professionals at all levels in performing systemdiagnostics on a real-time basis.

A typical diagnostic system includes a display on which instructions fordiagnostic procedures are displayed. The system also includes a systeminterface that allows the operator to view real-time operationalfeedback and diagnostic information. Thus, the operator may view, forexample, vehicle engine speed in revolutions per minute, or batteryvoltage during start cranking; or a patient's heartbeat rate or bloodpressure. With such a system, a relatively inexperienced operator mayperform advanced diagnostic procedures and diagnose complex operationalor medical problems.

The diagnostic procedures for diagnostic systems of this sort aretypically developed by experienced technical experts or professionals.The technical expert or professional provides the technical experienceand knowledge required to develop complex diagnostic procedures. Thus,the efficacy of the diagnostic procedures, in particular the sequence inwhich the diagnostic procedures are performed, is highly dependent onthe expertise of the technical expert or professional authoring theprocedures.

Thus, existing diagnostic systems have a disadvantage in that thesequence of execution of diagnostic procedures is highly dependent uponthe expertise of the technical experts and professionals who author thediagnostic procedures. The technical experts and professionals often donot have access to complete information regarding historical outcomes ofdiagnostic testing that has been performed, and in particular,statistical information regarding the historical outcomes of diagnostictesting. As a result, diagnostic testing can consume unnecessary timeand cost, because it is based on incomplete information. Accordingly, itis desirable to provide a method and apparatus for generating anoptimized diagnostic test plan that can be executed on diagnosticsystems.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The foregoing needs are met, to a great extent, by the presentinvention, wherein in one aspect an apparatus and method are providedthat in some embodiments provide for generating an optimized diagnostictest plan that can be executed on a diagnostic system.

In accordance with one aspect of the present invention, acomputer-implemented method of optimizing a diagnostic test sequence todiagnose a failure mode of a vehicle can include determining a group ofdiagnostic tests related to a symptom from a pool of diagnostic testsand selecting a first diagnostic test from the group based at least inpart on a probabilistic failure mode analysis.

In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, a computerprogram product for optimizing a diagnostic test sequence to diagnose afailure mode of a vehicle, including a computer-readable medium encodedwith instructions configured to be executed by a processor in order toperform predetermined operations, which can include determining a groupof diagnostic tests related to a symptom from a pool of diagnostic testsand selecting a first diagnostic test from the group based at least inpart on a probabilistic failure mode analysis.

In accordance with yet another aspect of the present invention, adiagnostic tool for optimizing a diagnostic test sequence to diagnose afailure mode of a vehicle can include a diagnostic test selectorconfigured to determine a group of diagnostic tests related to a symptomfrom a pool of diagnostic tests and a sequence optimizer configured toselect a first diagnostic test from the group based at least in part ona probabilistic failure mode analysis.

In accordance with one aspect of the present invention, acomputer-implemented method of dynamically producing a diagnostic testsequence to diagnose a failure mode of a vehicle can include optimizingan order of a plurality of diagnostic test procedures based at least inpart on a probabilistic failure mode analysis. The method can furtherinclude formatting at least a step of a first diagnostic test procedurefrom among the plurality of diagnostic test procedures for display on adisplay device.

In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, a computerprogram product for dynamically producing a diagnostic test sequence todiagnose a failure mode of a vehicle, can include a computer-readablemedium encoded with instructions configured to be executed by aprocessor in order to perform predetermined operations. Thepredetermined operations can include optimizing an order of a pluralityof diagnostic test procedures based at least in part on a probabilisticfailure mode analysis, and formatting at least a step of a firstdiagnostic test procedure from among the plurality of diagnostic testprocedures for display on a display device.

In accordance with yet another aspect of the present invention, adiagnostic tool for dynamically producing a diagnostic test sequence todiagnose a failure mode of a vehicle can include means for optimizing anorder of a plurality of diagnostic test procedures based at least inpart on a probabilistic failure mode analysis. The diagnostic tool canfurther include means for formatting at least a step of a firstdiagnostic test procedure from among the plurality of diagnostic testprocedures for display on a display device.

In accordance with yet another aspect of the present invention, adiagnostic tool for dynamically producing a diagnostic test sequence todiagnose a failure mode of a vehicle can include a sequencing moduleconfigured to optimize an order of a plurality of diagnostic testprocedures based at least in part on a probabilistic failure modeanalysis. The diagnostic tool can further include a display moduleconfigured to format at least a step of a first diagnostic testprocedure from among the plurality of diagnostic test procedures fordisplay on a display device.

There has thus been outlined, rather broadly, certain embodiments of theinvention in order that the detailed description thereof herein may bebetter understood, and in order that the present contribution to the artmay be better appreciated. There are, of course, additional embodimentsof the invention that will be described below and which will form thesubject matter of the claims appended hereto.

In this respect, before explaining at least one embodiment of theinvention in detail, it is to be understood that the invention is notlimited in its application to the details of construction and to thearrangements of the components set forth in the following description orillustrated in the drawings. The invention is capable of embodiments inaddition to those described and of being practiced and carried out invarious ways. Also, it is to be understood that the phraseology andterminology employed herein, as well as the abstract, are for thepurpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting.

As such, those skilled in the art will appreciate that the conceptionupon which this disclosure is based may readily be utilized as a basisfor the designing of other structures, methods and systems for carryingout the several purposes of the present invention. It is important,therefore, that the claims be regarded as including such equivalentconstructions insofar as they do not depart from the spirit and scope ofthe present invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 illustrates an exemplary vehicle diagnostic test setup of a typesuitable for carrying out the functions of an embodiment of theinvention.

FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram illustrating a dynamic diagnostic plangenerator according to a preferred embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 3 illustrates a representative test preparation step display imagethat can be prepared by the dynamic diagnostic test generator fordisplay on a display device.

FIG. 4 illustrates a representative test step display image that can beprepared by the dynamic diagnostic test generator for display on adisplay device.

FIG. 5 illustrates a representative instruction display image that canbe repaired by the dynamic diagnostic plan generator for display on adisplay device.

FIG. 6 illustrates a representative diagnostic procedure display imagethat can be prepared by the dynamic diagnostic plan generator for adisplay on a display device.

FIG. 7 illustrates an information display image that can be prepared bythe dynamic diagnostic plan generator for display on a display device.

FIG. 8 illustrates a results display image that can be prepared by thedynamic diagnostic plan generator for display on a display device.

FIG. 9 illustrates a wiring schematic display image that can be preparedby the dynamic diagnostic plan generator for display on a displaydevice.

FIG. 10 illustrates an author display image that can be prepared by thedynamic diagnostic plan generator for display on a display device.

FIG. 11 illustrates a representative failure mode test creation screenthat can be prepared by the dynamic diagnostic plan generator fordisplay on a display device.

FIG. 12 is a flowchart illustrating steps that may be followed inaccordance with one embodiment of the method or process of dynamicallygenerating a diagnostic plan.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

A diagnostic test sequence can navigate a vehicle technician through astep-by-step test sequence based on a vehicle onboard computer troublecode or codes, or a vehicle operational symptom or symptoms. Duringvehicle diagnostics, for example, test step instructions and informationcan be displayed to the vehicle technician on a display screen panel.

A dynamic diagnostic plan generator can include a diagnostic testsequence optimizer that can arrange, or order, a sequence of diagnostictests related to one or more symptoms to diagnose a failure mode of avehicle based at least in part on a failure mode analysis. In addition,the sequence can be modified during test execution based on intermediatetest results. The initial and iterative test sequence optimization,combined with the features below, can be referred to as “dynamicdecision sequencing.”

The diagnostic plan generator can also include a vehicle state trackerthat can track the state of the vehicle during and between diagnostictest procedures, and a test preparation step formatter that can format atest preparation step for display on a display device based at least inpart on the vehicle state. The diagnostic plan generator can furtherinclude a test procedure formatter that can format a sequence of teststeps for display on a display device to provide instructions to avehicle technician for diagnosing the failure mode. The diagnostic plangenerator can also include an interactive diagnostic schematic generatorthat can illustrate a diagnostic test procedure, such as a wiringdiagram, for display on a display device.

In addition, the dynamic diagnostic plan generator can include aninformation object producer that can create a data structure includinginformation related to the diagnostic test procedures. Furthermore, thediagnostic plan generator can include a failure mode identifier senderthat can send a failure mode identifier over a communication network toa central database, a historical data receiver that can receivehistorical data regarding the outcomes of previous diagnostic testing,and a failure mode analyzer updater that can update the failure modeanalysis based on the historical data. Moreover, the diagnostic plangenerator can include a failure mode test authoring system that can beused by an expert vehicle technician to create new failure mode tests.

The invention will now be described with reference to the drawingfigures, in which like reference numerals refer to like partsthroughout. FIG. 1 illustrates a vehicle test configuration that iscompatible with the present inventive method and apparatus. A dynamicdiagnostic plan generator 10 can include a personal computer 212 with adisplay 214. In some embodiments, the dynamic diagnostic plan generator10 can be coupled to a vehicle 216, including, for example, a vehicleonboard computer 218. For example, the dynamic diagnostic plan generator10 can be coupled to the vehicle onboard computer 218 by way of avehicle interface box 220, as shown in FIG. 1. The vehicle testconfiguration can further include electrical links 222, 224, such aswires, cables, data buses, a communication network or a wirelessnetwork. The dynamic diagnostic plan generator 10 can display diagnostictest procedure instructions to a vehicle technician to aid in performingvehicle diagnostics. The dynamic diagnostic plan generator 10 can alsoreceive feedback from the vehicle 216.

An embodiment of the present inventive method and apparatus can generatea dynamic diagnostic plan to diagnose a failure mode of a vehicle basedon one or more symptoms. FIG. 2 illustrates a dynamic diagnostic plangenerator 10 for use with, for example, a PC-based vehicle diagnosticsystem to provide instructions for expert diagnostic procedures to allowa vehicle technician to identify the cause of a trouble code or vehicleoperational problem at the component level. A related diagnostic methodfor use with a vehicle diagnostic system of this type is disclosed inU.S. Pat. No. 5,631,831, entitled “Diagnosis Method for VehicleSystems,” to Bird, et al., dated May 20, 1997, the disclosure of whichis hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.

The dynamic diagnostic plan generator 10 can include a processor 12, amemory 14, an input/output device 16, a diagnostic test sequenceoptimizer 18, a vehicle state tracker 20, a test preparation stepformatter 22, a test procedure formatter 24, an interactive diagnosticschematic generator 26, an information object producer 28, a failuremode identifier sender 30, a historical data receiver 32, a displaydevice 34, and a failure mode test author 36, all of which can beinterconnected by a data link 38. The processor 12, the memory 14, theinput/output device 16 and the display device 34 can be part of ageneral computer, such as a personal computer (PC), a notebook, a UNIXworkstation, a server, a mainframe computer, a personal digitalassistant (PDA), or some combination of these. Alternatively, theprocessor 12, the memory 14 and the input/output device 16 can be partof a specialized computing device, such as a vehicle diagnostics scantool. The remaining components can include programming code, such assource code, object code or executable code, stored on acomputer-readable medium that can be loaded into the memory 14 andprocessed by the processor 12 in order to perform the desired functionsof the dynamic diagnostic plan generator 10.

In various embodiments, the dynamic diagnostic plan generator 10 can becoupled to a communication network, which can include any viablecombination of devices and systems capable of linking computer-basedsystems, such as the Internet; an intranet or extranet; a local areanetwork (LAN); a wide area network (WAN); a direct cable connection; aprivate network; a public network; an Ethernet-based system; a tokenring; a value-added network; a telephony-based system, including, forexample, T1 or E1 devices; an Asynchronous Transfer Mode (ATM) network;a wired system; a wireless system; an optical system; a combination ofany number of distributed processing networks or systems or the like.

An embodiment of the dynamic diagnostic plan generator 10 can be coupledto the communication network by way of the local data link, which invarious embodiments can incorporate any combination of devices—as wellas any associated software or firmware—configured to coupleprocessor-based systems, such as modems, network interface cards, serialbuses, parallel buses, LAN or WAN interfaces, wireless or opticalinterfaces and the like, along with any associated transmissionprotocols, as may be desired or required by the design.

Additionally, an embodiment of the dynamic diagnostic plan generator 10can communicate information to the user and request user input by way ofan interactive, menu-driven, visual display-based user interface, orgraphical user interface (GUI). The user interface can be executed, forexample, on a personal computer (PC) with a mouse and keyboard, withwhich the user may interactively input information using directmanipulation of the GUI. Direct manipulation can include the use of apointing device, such as a mouse or a stylus, to select from a varietyof selectable fields, including selectable menus, drop-down menus, tabs,buttons, bullets, checkboxes, text boxes, and the like. Nevertheless,various embodiments of the invention may incorporate any number ofadditional functional user interface schemes in place of this interfacescheme, with or without the use of a mouse or buttons or keys, includingfor example, a trackball, a touch screen or a voice-activated system.

The diagnostic test sequence optimizer 18 can select and arrange inorder a group of diagnostic test procedures that are related to asymptom, a vehicle operational problem or an onboard computer troublecode. An example of a diagnostic test sequence optimizer 18 that iscompatible with the dynamic diagnostic plan generator 10 is disclosed ina copending U.S. Patent Application, entitled “Diagnostic Test SequenceOptimization Method and Apparatus,” filed concurrently herewith byFountain, et al., the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated byreference in its entirety.

The diagnostic test procedure sequence can be based, for example, on adiagnostic Failure Mode and Effects Analysis (FMEA) or on an authorpriority setting. A FMEA, or equivalently, a Failure Mode and EffectsCriticality Analysis (FMECA), is a widely used tool in manufacturingindustries, for example, the aerospace industry, the automotiveindustry, the heavy equipment industry and the digital electronicsindustry.

A typical FMEA can include a list of failure modes, causes and effectsassociated with each of the failure modes, a severity of each failuremode, a risk or probability of the occurrence of each failure mode, andadditional information that can be useful in designing and manufacturingthe associated product. For example, the FMEA can include estimatedprobability information based on engineering analysis or statisticalprobability estimates based on empirical data from actual failures.Thus, each diagnostic test procedure can be an individual failure modetest based on the failure modes identified in the FMEA, and the FMEAinformation can be used to determine which of the diagnostic testprocedures is most likely to identify the cause of the symptom.

In addition, the diagnostic test procedure sequence can be based onmultiple symptoms. For example, the diagnostic test sequence optimizer18 can evaluate two or more simultaneously occurring or intermittentsymptoms in order to identify a possible common cause. Furthermore, thediagnostic test sequence optimizer 18 can dynamically reorder the testprocedure sequence during test execution based on an interrelation oftwo or more symptoms. For example, the diagnostic test sequenceoptimizer 18 may identify a common voltage source for two sensors thatsimultaneously have symptoms, and reorder the test sequence to verifythe functionality of the common voltage source before performing failuremode tests on the individual sensors. Once again, the test sequence canalso be based on the comparative failure rates of the individual sensorsand the common voltage source.

Moreover, in some embodiments of the dynamic diagnostic plan generator10, the diagnostic test sequence optimizer 18 can dynamically reorderthe test sequence during test execution based on intermediate results,for example, based on the results of a particular failure mode test or acombination of failure mode tests. For example, even though a particularfailure mode test does not result in a final diagnosis, the failure modetest, alone or in combination with one or more other failure mode tests,can validate the correct functionality of a component. As a result, thediagnostic test sequence optimizer 18 can dynamically reorder the testsequence, for example, to omit further failure mode tests correspondingthe validated component, or to move remaining failure mode testscorresponding the validated component to a later position of lesserpriority in the test sequence.

Similarly, in some embodiments of the dynamic diagnostic plan generator10, the diagnostic test sequence optimizer 18 can dynamically reorderthe test sequence during diagnostic test execution based on newinformation derived from a particular failure mode test, although thefailure mode test does not result in a final diagnosis. For example, thediscovery of an additional symptom during a particular failure mode testcan result in the diagnostic test sequence optimizer 18 modifying thetest sequence based on the interrelation of the newly discovered symptomand the previously known symptom or symptoms. Thus, the diagnostic testsequence optimizer 18 can perform iterative, dynamic, run-timereevaluations during diagnostic test execution to continually modify orrecreate the test sequence.

Some existing diagnostic test systems include sequences of diagnostictest procedures that can performed on a vehicle or other product todetermine a cause of a symptom. However, in some existing systems thesequence of the diagnostic tests is determined based solely on thepriority assigned by an expert diagnostic author.

An embodiment of the present invention can have the advantage that thediagnostic test procedure sequence can be optimized using statisticalprobability information based on historical outcomes of actualdiagnostic testing in order to more accurately determine the efficacy ofeach of the diagnostic procedures. As a result, the diagnostic testprocedure sequence can be customized to minimize or optimize the timerequired to resolve the problem, the cost required to resolve theproblem, additional factors that can affect the problem resolution, acombination of these factors, or the like.

The diagnostic test sequence optimizer 18 can perform an analysis of thecomparative utility of each of the individual diagnostic proceduresbased on various factors that can affect problem resolution. Forexample, the failure mode analysis factors can include, but are notlimited to, any of the following:

-   -   an estimated time required to perform a diagnostic test    -   the difficulty of performing the diagnostic test    -   an estimated time required to remove and replace a component        associated with the diagnostic test    -   the difficulty of removing and replacing the component    -   the level of expertise of a vehicle service technician        performing the diagnostic procedure    -   the availability of a replacement component    -   the estimated cost or the actual cost of the component    -   the estimated or actual cost of labor    -   empirical data regarding the probability that a failure mode        associated with the individual diagnostic procedure exists given        the existence of a specified symptom (e.g., FMEA data)    -   an estimate of the probability that the failure mode exists        given the existence of the symptom    -   a frequency or rate of the failure mode associated with the        diagnostic procedure    -   the mileage of the subject vehicle    -   the year of the subject vehicle    -   the specific configuration of the vehicle or a modification that        has been performed on the vehicle    -   the vehicle maintenance record    -   a service center maintenance record regarding the vehicle or        associated vehicles    -   a manufacturer warranty record associated with the specific        vehicle or a type of vehicle    -   a manufacturer warranty record associated with the specific        component    -   a recommended maintenance schedule, such as a manufacturer        recommended maintenance schedule, or    -   a technical service bulletin issued by the vehicle manufacturer.

In addition, the diagnostic test sequence optimizer 18 can assign aweight, or weighting, to each of the factors used in the failure modeanalysis. For example, a heavier weighting can be given to the timerequired to perform an individual diagnostic procedure versus the costof performing the procedure and replacing an associated component.Conversely, the cost can be weighted heavier than the time required.Similarly, a greater weight can be assigned to the difficulty ofperforming the diagnostic procedure, for example, in relation to theexpertise level of the vehicle technician.

In other cases, a greater weighting may be placed on the availability ofa replacement component. For example, a diagnostic procedure related toa component that is not available may be given a particularly lowweighting. In yet other cases, a heavier weighting can be assigned to adiagnostic procedure associated with a recommended maintenance procedurethat is coming due, for example, based on the vehicle mileage, and hasnot been performed on the subject vehicle. Similarly, a heavy weightingcan be placed on a diagnostic procedure related to a technical servicebulletin, such as a recommended technical service bulletin issued by thevehicle manufacturer.

Furthermore, the weights can be partially determined based on userpreferences. For example, a user preference setting can be set by adiagnostic procedure author, by a service center, by a vehicletechnician, or by a combination thereof, and subsequently factored intothe individual weightings of the factors. For example, a service centeror a vehicle technician may prefer to minimize either time or cost,depending on the vehicle type, customer feedback or the like. Thus, auser input can be used by the diagnostic test sequence optimizer 18 indetermining the weightings of certain critical factors in accordancewith user preferences.

Moreover, the diagnostic test sequence optimizer 18 can receive ahistory of the vehicle, for example, a maintenance or repair record keptwith the vehicle, at a service center, or by the manufacturer. Forexample, the vehicle history can include information such as the mileageon the subject vehicle, the specific configuration of the vehicle, amodification such as a technical service bulletin that has beenperformed on the vehicle, a vehicle maintenance record, a service centermaintenance record associated with the specific vehicle or type ofvehicle, or a manufacturer warranty record associated with the specificvehicle or type of vehicle or component having problems.

Accordingly, the diagnostic test sequence optimizer 18 can use theresults of the failure mode analysis, the vehicle history, user settingsreceived by way of user input, a diagnostic FMEA or other input factorsto order the diagnostic test procedures in a sequence. The sequence canbe optimized in accordance with, for example, a priority input by adiagnostic test procedure author, a user preference input and anycombination of the failure mode analysis factors. Thus, the diagnostictest sequence optimizer 18 is highly configurable to allow customizationof the sequence optimization process.

In addition, the vehicle state tracker 20 can track the state of thevehicle during and between individual diagnostic test procedures. Thevehicle state tracker can help to eliminate duplication of effortsduring a diagnostic test sequence by keeping track of the currentvehicle test configuration and providing test preparation steps toreconfigure the vehicle between individual diagnostic procedures withoutredundant steps. The vehicle state tracker can track the current stateof the vehicle by maintaining a current list of preconditions, orvehicle test configuration information.

An example of a method for tracking the vehicle state for use with avehicle diagnostic system is disclosed in a copending U.S. Patentapplication, entitled “Vehicle State Tracking Method and Apparatus forDiagnostic Testing,” filed concurrently herewith by Fountain, et al.,the disclosure of which is incorporated by reference in its entirety.

The vehicle state tracker 20 can determine a set of preconditions, orvehicle test configuration requirements, necessary for an individualdiagnostic test procedure. Preconditions and corresponding testpreparation steps can be created, or authored, for example, by an expertdiagnostics technician. Preconditions can also be formatted to bereusable in various diagnostic test procedures, which can save timeduring the authoring phase of diagnostic test procedures.

In operation, the vehicle state tracker 20 typically can determine thepreconditions required for a subsequent diagnostic test procedure beforethe completion of a current diagnostic test procedure in order toprevent or minimize redundant efforts at the completion of the currentdiagnostic procedure and at the initiation of the subsequent diagnosticprocedure. The vehicle state tracker 20 can read the current state ofthe vehicle, for example, from a memory register. In some embodiments,the vehicle state can be stored in a processor register, while in otherembodiments the vehicle state can be stored in a main memory register orin a memory register of a storage device associated with the dynamicdiagnostic plan generator 10.

The vehicle state tracker 20 can verify a current setting of the vehiclestate with regard to a specific precondition, or a group of currentsettings corresponding to a number of preconditions. If a preconditionis required for the subsequent test procedure and the correspondingvehicle state setting is currently not valid, the test preparation stepformatter 22 can format a test preparation step for display on thedisplay device 34 to instruct the vehicle technician to set up therequired precondition or vehicle test configuration. As an example, FIG.3 illustrates a representative test preparation step display screen 40that can be prepared by the test preparation step formatter 22. Ofcourse, if the precondition is required for the subsequent testprocedure and the corresponding vehicle state setting is currentlyvalid, the test preparation step formatter 22 may elect not to format atest preparation step for display.

In addition, the vehicle state tracker 20 can receive feedbackindicating when the precondition has been satisfied. For example, thevehicle state tracker 20 can receive a data signal from the vehicleonboard computer indicating that the precondition has been satisfied. Insome embodiments, the vehicle state tracker 20 can receive a feedbacksignal from test equipment, such as a digital multimeter coupled to thevehicle. Similarly, the vehicle state tracker 20 can receive user inputfrom the vehicle technician by way of the input/output device 16indicating that the precondition has been satisfied, or that the vehicletechnician has complied with the test preparation step instructions.

Once the precondition has been satisfied, the vehicle state tracker 20can update the vehicle state, for example, in a memory register, toreflect a valid setting corresponding to the precondition. Thus, thevehicle state can be continually updated to maintain a current andaccurate vehicle state that is available to the diagnostic system at anytime in order to determine test preparation steps required toreconfigure the vehicle between diagnostic procedures in a diagnostictest sequence.

In the case that the vehicle condition is currently valid but is notrequired for a subsequent test procedure, the test preparation stepformatter 22 can format a test preparation step for display instructingthe vehicle technician to reverse, or undo, the vehicle condition.Correspondingly, the vehicle state tracker 20 can receive feedback asdescribed above indicating that the condition has been reversed, and canupdate the vehicle state, for example, in a memory register, to reflectan invalid setting corresponding to the condition, or precondition.

The vehicle state tracker 20 can maintain vehicle state settings for anynumber of vehicle preconditions associated with the diagnostic testprocedures which can be configured to be readily available for use, orreuse, with any existing test procedure or with a new test procedure.For example, preconditions can include, but are not limited to, any ofthe following:

an ignition switch position

a light switch position

an engine run condition

a throttle position

an engine speed

a vehicle speed

a test equipment connection

a vehicle electrical connection condition

an ambient air temperature

an engine inlet temperature

an engine lubricant pressure

engine lubricant temperature

an engine lubricant level

an engine coolant temperature

an engine coolant specific gravity

an engine exhaust gas temperature

an engine exhaust gas content

a transmission setting

a brake pedal position

a parking brake position

a brake fluid pressure

a fuel level

a fuel supply pressure

a battery voltage

a battery charging system voltage

a battery charging system current

an ignition voltage

an ignition current

an engine cylinder compression

a vehicle configuration, or

a vehicle modification.

In addition, the dynamic diagnostic plan generator 10 can include a testprocedure formatter 24 that can prepare the sequence of diagnostic testprocedures for display on the display device. As an example, FIG. 4illustrates a representative procedure display screen 42 that can beprepared by the test procedure formatter 24. The test procedureformatter 24 can also prepare more detailed test preparation steps fordisplay, for example, as shown in the detailed test procedure displayscreen 43 illustrated in FIG. 5. The test procedure formatter 24 canfurther format navigational buttons 44, such as the “Cancel,” “Back” and“Next” buttons shown in FIG. 5, as well as additional navigational aids,such as the tabs 46 shown in FIG. 5.

An embodiment of the present invention communicates information to theuser and requests user input by way of an interactive, menu-driven,visual display-based user interface. The dynamic diagnostic plangenerator 10 can include input/output devices 16, such as a mouse andkeyboard, with which the user may interactively input information usingdirect manipulation of a graphical user interface (GUI). Directmanipulation includes using a pointing device, such as a mouse, toselect from a variety of selectable fields, including selectable menus,tabs, buttons, bullets, checkboxes, text boxes, and the like.Nevertheless, other embodiments of the invention may incorporate anynumber of additional functional user interface schemes in place of thisinterface scheme, with or without the use of a mouse or buttons or keys,including for example, a trackball, a touchscreen or a voice-activatedsystem.

Similarly, the test procedure formatter 24 can prepare detailed teststep instructions, as shown in display image 43, such as therepresentative test instruction 48, “Set Multimeter select knob to DCVolts,” shown in FIG. 6. The test procedure formatter 24 can alsoprovide detailed test setup instructions, for example, therepresentative test lead connections instructions 50. In addition, thetest procedure formatter 24 can prepare test equipment display images,such as the multimeter display 52 shown in FIG. 6. In some embodiments,the dynamic diagnostic plan generator 10 can further receive dynamicinput data, for example, a digital multimeter input for real-timedisplay.

Furthermore, the test procedure formatter 24 and the test preparationstep formatter 22 can cooperate to prepare combined display windows 50,such as the test step display image 42, the test preparation stepdisplay image 40 and the diagnostic procedure display image 43 shown inFIG. 6, which can be displayed simultaneously on the display device 34.

Moreover, the test procedure formatter 24 can prepare additionalinformational display images, such as a “description” display image (notshown) or an “information” display image 56, as shown in FIG. 7.Similarly, the test procedure formatter 24 can prepare a “results”display image 58 as shown in FIG. 8. In addition, the test procedureformatter 24 can provide specific instructions for reconfiguring thevehicle after a test procedure or a diagnostic test sequence has beencompleted, such as the reconfiguration instructions 60 shown in FIG. 8.Optionally, an embodiment of the diagnostic plan generator 10 canprovide the vehicle technician with the option of storing the results ofa diagnostic procedure in a memory 14, for example, with a “Log Test”button 62.

The interactive diagnostic schematic generator 26 can generate adiagnostic schematic, such as the representative diagnostic schematic 64illustrated in FIG. 9. An example of an interactive diagnostic schematicgenerator 26 that is compatible with the dynamic diagnostic plangenerator 10 is disclosed in a copending U.S. Patent Application,entitled “Interactive Schematic Generating Method and Apparatus for aVehicle Diagnostic Procedure,” filed concurrently herewith by Fountain,et al., the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference inits entirety.

The interactive diagnostic schematic 64 can illustrate any number ofvehicle components 66. For example, the vehicle components 66 in FIG. 9could represent a bank angle sensor, a throttle position sensor, a camposition sensor and an electronic control module, or any additionalvehicle components 66 related to a diagnostic procedure.

In order to generate the interactive diagnostic schematic 64, theinteractive diagnostic schematic generator 26 can read a schematic datafile associated with a diagnostic test procedure, for example, a wiringdiagram data file. For example, the interactive diagnostic schematicgenerator 26 can read a data file from a main memory or from aperipheral memory device associated with the processor 12. In apreferred embodiment of the invention, the schematic data file can bestored in a scalable vector graphics (SVG) file format, which is anXML-based markup language for describing two-dimensional vectorgraphics, both static and animated (i.e., either declarative orscripted). Thus, the schematic data file can be stored as a text file.

SVG formatting can allow various types of graphic objects, for example,vector graphic shapes consisting of straight lines and curves and theareas bounded by them, raster graphics images or text. SVG formattingfurther can allow graphical objects to be grouped, styled, transformedand composited into previously rendered objects. SVG formatting can alsopermit nested transformations, clipping paths, alpha masks, filtereffects, template objects and extensibility. In addition, SVG formattingcan enhance searchability and accessibility of the graphics.

The interactive diagnostic schematic 64 can be dynamic and interactive.For example, a document object model (DOM) in SVG formatting can allowstraightforward and efficient animation of graphics by way of scriptlanguages. The SVG graphics file format is also compatible with popularcommunications network standards, such as World Wide Web standards onthe Internet. Additionally, SVG images can be stored using compressiontechniques.

SVG data files can be prepared for display on a display device 34 by anynumber of commercially available SVG viewers, such as the Adobe SVGViewer, produced by Adobe Systems Incorporated of San Jose, Calif., orthe Corel SVG Viewer, produced by the Corel Corporation of Ottawa,Canada.

The interactive diagnostic schematic generator 26 can modify theschematic data file to indicate a test subject in the schematic. Forexample, the interactive diagnostic schematic generator 26 can alter thecolor of the vehicle component 66, electrical connector 68, wire 70, orthe like, and can highlight the test subject by surrounding the testsubject with a highlighting color to make the test subject stand outfrom the background and the remaining items in the schematic.

Likewise, the interactive diagnostic schematic generator 26 can shadethe test subject, fade the color of the test subject, gray out the testsubject, or animate the test subject. For example, the interactivediagnostic schematic generator 26 can animate the test subject by makingthe vehicle component 66, electrical connector 68, wire 70, or the like,blink or flash in the schematic 64 when displayed on a display device34. This can be accomplished, for example, by adding executable code ina scripting language to the schematic data file.

Similarly, the interactive diagnostic schematic generator 26 can animatethe test subject by adding motion to the schematic 64, for example,demonstrating the connection or disconnection of an electrical connector68. The interactive diagnostic schematic generator 26 can also zoom inon a specific component 66, for example, when a user clicks on thecomponent 66 using a pointing device, such as a mouse. Furthermore, theinteractive diagnostic schematic generator 26 can add properties to thecomponent 66, for example, a part number, inventory informationregarding the component, a link to a help file, or the like.

The interactive diagnostic schematic generator 26 can illustrate alocation on the schematic 64 where a test equipment connection isrequired. For example, the interactive diagnostic schematic generator 26can highlight or otherwise locate a location or multiple locations whereelectrical connectors, pins, clamps, or the like associated with testequipment are to be connected to the vehicle component 66 or electricalconnector 68. The interactive diagnostic schematic generator 26 canfurther illustrate required test equipment, such as a digitalmultimeter, in the schematic 64. This can aid a vehicle technician toquickly and efficiently connect test equipment for a diagnostic testprocedure.

The diagnostic schematic generator 26 can format the originally storedschematic or a modified schematic for display on the display device 34.For example, the diagnostic schematic generator 26 can include an SVGviewer or cooperate with an SVG viewer to display the diagnosticschematic generator 26.

The interactive diagnostic schematic generator 26 can receive feedback,for example, by direct manipulation such as a user selecting a portionof the schematic using a mouse or the equivalent. For example, a usercan “click” on a wire, a component, or another test subject within aschematic currently displayed on the screen, and the feedback receiver36 can uniquely identify the selected test subject.

In response to the feedback, the interactive diagnostic schematicgenerator 26 can, for example, remove or discontinue the indication ofthe test subject in the schematic. That is to say, the test subjectindicator 30 can remove or discontinue the highlighting, fading, grayingout or animation of the test subject in the diagnostic schematic 10.Furthermore, in some embodiments, online help can be accessed by way ofdirect manipulation of displayed objects in the schematic.

In addition, in response to the feedback, the interactive diagnosticschematic generator 26 can mark the test subject to indicate that adiagnostic procedure, test step or other action has been performed onthe test subject. Once again, the schematic generator 26 can usehighlighting, shading, fading, graying out or animation of the testsubject to indicate that the action has been performed. For example, themarking style used to mark the test subject to indicate that the actionhas been performed can be visually distinct from the indicating styleused to indicate the test subject on which an action is required.

The information object producer 28 can create a diagnostic datastructure, or information object, based on information related to thediagnostic test procedures. For example, the information object caninclude the diagnostic test procedure instructions, a list of possiblecauses of the symptom, the vehicle history, the current state of thevehicle, a diagnostic schematic, a Failure Mode and Effects Analysis(FMEA) compiled by the vehicle manufacturer, or the like.

Thus, the information object can include, but is not limited to,information such as the following:

-   -   an estimated time required to perform the diagnostic test        procedures    -   a difficulty level of performing the diagnostic test procedures    -   an estimated time required to remove and replace a component        associated with the diagnostic test procedures    -   a difficulty level of removing and replacing a component    -   an availability of a replacement component    -   an estimated cost of the component    -   an actual cost of the component    -   an estimated cost of performing the diagnostic test procedures    -   empirical data regarding the probability that a failure mode        exists given the existence of the symptom    -   an estimate of the probability that a failure mode exists given        the existence of the symptom    -   a frequency or rate of the failure mode    -   a vehicle mileage    -   a vehicle configuration    -   a vehicle modification    -   a vehicle maintenance record    -   a service center maintenance record    -   a manufacturer warranty record    -   the recommended maintenance schedule for the vehicle, or    -   a technical service bulletin.

The failure mode identifier sender 30 can send a failure mode identifier(I.D.) indicating the failure mode over a communication network to acentral database. For example, the failure mode identifier can be sentto a service center database, a manufacturer warranty database, or thelike, over the Internet, an intranet, or a wireless network. Inaddition, the failure mode identifier can include additional informationassociated with the diagnostic case, such as observed symptoms,diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs), a vehicle identification, a vehiclehistory, a vehicle state as measured and observed, systematic datareadings, specific parameters relevant to the optimization process (forexample, any of the factors enumerated above), and the final diagnosticconclusion. The final diagnostic conclusion, can include a failure-modeidentifier or a no-failure-mode-identified diagnosis. In this manner,the failure mode occurrences can automatically be gathered in a centraldatabase in order to allow analysis of failure mode occurrences tocontinually update the statistical failure mode information.

The historical data receiver 32 can receive failure mode historical dataover a communication network from a central database, for example, theresults of a Failure Mode and Effects Analysis performed by the vehiclemanufacturer using automatically-updated information from a region, acountry, or an entire fleet of vehicles. The historical failure modedata can be used by the diagnostic test sequence optimizer 18 to orderthe diagnostic test procedures in an optimal sequence based on thelatest updated information available. As a result, the diagnostic testsequence compiled by the dynamic diagnostic plan generator 10 can changeover time in a dynamic manner, based on actual failure mode occurrences.

Furthermore, the failure mode test author 36 can provide a vehiclediagnostic system authoring capability to facilitate the creation offailure mode test procedures by an individual who is an expert invehicle diagnostics but is not necessarily knowledgeable concerning acomputer programming language. The failure mode test author 36 canaccelerate development and reduce errors in diagnostic software byeliminating the need for a computer programmer to code the process asexplained by an expert in vehicle diagnostics. Thus, the failure modetest author 36 can be particularly useful to an original equipmentmanufacturer for developing electronic diagnostic sequences.

A related method for authoring diagnostic procedures for use with avehicle diagnostic system is disclosed in U.S. patent application Ser.No. 11/052,118, entitled “Authoring Diagnostic Test Sequences ApparatusAnd Method,” filed by Fountain, et al., on Feb. 8, 2005, the disclosureof which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.

A representative failure mode authoring display image is shown in FIG.10, comprising a graphical user interface (GUI) work environment for useby an expert author to develop a test structure for a failure mode test.The work environment can include a test structure display image 74, aFMEA details editor display image 76 and a symptom properties displayimage 78. The failure mode test work environment can allow a diagnosticsauthor to interactively create a failure mode test that can be used in adiagnostic test sequence, including associated details or properties.

For example, the test structure display image 74 can include ahierarchical breakdown, for example, by vehicle make 80, vehicle model82, symptom type 84, vehicle component 86, and symptom 88. Each symptom88 can be associated with a group of failure mode tests 90 andpreconditions 92. The symptom properties display image 78 can displayproperties or information stored by the dynamic diagnostic plangenerator 10 regarding a specific symptom. For example, symptomproperties can include a name or nametag 94 corresponding to thesymptom, a code 96 corresponding to the symptom, a component identifier98 and a symptom type identifier 100. The symptom properties can furtherinclude additional information, such as an introduction identifier 102,a priority 104, a key word 106, a description 108, and one or more flags110 associated with the symptom.

The FMEA details editor display image 76 can display FMEA informationstored by the dynamic diagnostic plan generator 10, such as statisticalprobability factors based on actual failure mode occurrencescorresponding to the symptom. For example, the FMEA information caninclude a nametag field 112, a name field 114, and a listing of records116 associated with individual failure mode tests. Each of the recordscan include, for example, a name tag 118, a component 120 associatedwith the failure mode, a test identifier 122, an author rank assigningan estimated probability to the failure mode test 124, a cost 126associated with performing the failure mode test, a risk 128 associatedwith the failure mode test, a difficulty factor 130, or otherinformation associated with the failure mode test.

In operation, an expert diagnostic author can use an authoring workenvironment 72 to create a new failure mode test. The author can definethe system to which the failure mode corresponds, for example, byspecifying the vehicle make 80 and model 82. The author can also specifythe symptom type 84 or category, for example, a vehicle-defined symptomsuch as a diagnostic trouble code (DTC), or a user-defined symptom. Theauthor can further define a pertinent system or unit 86 and a specificsymptom 88 to be diagnosed.

The author can then define an introduction associated with the symptomto provide information about the symptom to the vehicle technician. Theintroduction can include, for example, a failure mode description,circuit diagrams, tips, or the like. In addition, the author can definemultiple failure modes 90 associated with the symptom. The author cancreate a reusable failure mode test for each failure mode and associatepreconditions 92 required for each failure mode test. Preconditions 92can be procedures that must be completed prior to the performance of thefailure mode test, as previously discussed. Once created, a precondition92 can be reused for additional failure mode tests.

The author can further specify a sequence associated with thepreconditions for a failure mode test, an indication as to whether theprecondition must be removed or reversed after the failure mode test,and associated procedures for removing or reversing preconditions afterthe failure mode test.

FIG. 11 illustrates a representative display image of a failure modetest creation display image 132 that an expert author can access, forexample, by double-clicking on one of the failure modes 90 in the teststructure display image 74 shown in FIG. 10. The failure mode testcreation display image 132 can include, for example, nodes 134corresponding to diagnostic test procedure steps. The nodes 134 can beconnected by decision branches 136 having round bulbs 138, whichrepresent logical expressions associated with the test nodes 134 ordecision branches 136. The failure mode test creation display image 132can further include a form 140 associated with a highlighted node 142.In addition, the failure mode test creation display image 132 canprovide form fields 144 for entering information about the form 140,node fields 146 for entering information about the highlighted node 142,and a branches field 148 for entering information about the branches 136and logical expression bulbs 138 associated with the highlighted node142.

In addition, in some embodiments, the dynamic diagnostic plan generator10 can perform a reverse failure analysis that can identify symptoms, oroperational problems, of a vehicle and correlate each symptom to aspecific failure mode or vehicle component that is the cause of thesymptom. An example of a method for reverse failure analysis for usewith a vehicle diagnostic system is disclosed in a copending U.S. Patentapplication, entitled “Reverse Failure Analysis Method and Apparatus forDiagnostic Testing,” filed concurrently herewith by Fountain, et al. thedisclosure of which is incorporated by reference in its entirety.

Furthermore, in some embodiments, the dynamic diagnostic plan generator10 can gather and organize information corresponding to an optimizeddiagnostic test plan from a diverse set of information sources andgenerate an information object. The information object can be organized,for example, in a sequence or data structure that corresponds to theoptimized diagnostic test plan. Thus, the information object can beinterpreted as a dynamically-created manual that has been customized inaccordance with a specific optimized diagnostic test plan, and which auser can access during execution of the corresponding diagnostic testplan, or at any time during diagnosis and repair, or treatment. Anexample of a method for generating an information object for use with avehicle diagnostic system is disclosed in a copending U.S. Patentapplication, entitled “Information Object Creation Based on an OptimizedTest Procedure Method and Apparatus,” filed concurrently herewith byFountain, et al., the disclosure of which is incorporated by referencein its entirety.

FIG. 12 illustrates a method or process for dynamically generating adiagnostic plan. The process can begin by proceeding to step 150,“Optimize Diagnostic Test Sequence,” in which a sequence of diagnostictest procedures can be optimally ordered based on a failure modeanalysis, a vehicle history, a current vehicle state, user preferences,or other factors that can affect the resolution of a symptom or anoperational problem of a vehicle, as described above. The diagnostictest sequence optimization can take into account information from aFailure Mode Effects Analysis (FMEA), as described above.

Next, in step 152, “Track Vehicle State,” a current state of the vehiclecan be read from a memory and updated, as explained above. Then, basedon the diagnostic test sequence and vehicle state, in step 154, “FormatTest Prep Step,” a test preparation step or steps can be formatted fordisplay on a display device to provide instructions for a vehicletechnician, as described above.

In turn, an interactive diagnostic schematic can be generated in step156, “Generate Interactive Diagnostic Schematic.” As explained above,the interactive diagnostic schematic can illustrate a diagnostic testprocedure when displayed on a display device. Subsequently, in step 158,“Produce Information Object,” an information object can be created as adata structure containing information regarding the interactivediagnostic procedures as a supplemental resource for the vehicletechnician.

In step 160, “Format Diagnostic Test Procedure,” a diagnostic testprocedure can be formatted for display on a display device to provideinstructions for the vehicle technician, as described above. Inaddition, in step 162, “Receive Input,” input can be received indicatingthat the test procedures have been performed and that the associatedfailure mode has been verified or eliminated, as described above.

Once the failure mode has been verified, in step 164, “Send Failure ModeID,” a failure mode identifier can be sent over a communication networkto a central database, for example, at a service center or amanufacturer, as described above. Correspondingly, in step 166, “ReceiveHistorical Data,” historical data regarding actual failure modeoccurrences can be received, for example, from a service center,regional database, a country database, a fleet database, or the like.Consequently, in step 168, “Update Failure Mode Analysis,” failure modefrequency or rate information can be updated with the historical datafor use in subsequent diagnostic test sequence optimizations.

FIGS. 1 and 11 are block diagrams and flowcharts of methods, apparatusesand computer program products according to various embodiments of thepresent invention. It will be understood that each block or step of theblock diagram, flowchart and control flow illustrations, andcombinations of blocks in the block diagram, flowchart and control flowillustrations, can be implemented by computer program instructions orother means. Although computer program instructions are discussed, anapparatus according to the present invention can include other means,such as hardware or some combination of hardware and software, includingone or more processors or controllers, for performing the disclosedfunctions.

In this regard, FIG. 2 depicts the apparatus of one embodiment includingseveral of the key components of a general-purpose computer by which anembodiment of the present invention may be implemented. Those ofordinary skill in the art will appreciate that a computer can includemany more components than those shown in FIG. 2. However, it is notnecessary that all of these generally conventional components be shownin order to disclose an illustrative embodiment for practicing theinvention. The general-purpose computer can include a processing unit 12and a system memory 14, which may include random access memory (RAM) andread-only memory (ROM). The computer also may include nonvolatilestorage memory, such as a hard disk drive, where additional data can bestored.

An embodiment of the present invention can also include one or moreinput or output devices 16, such as a mouse, keyboard, monitor, and thelike. A display can be provided for viewing text and graphical data, aswell as a user interface to allow a user to request specific operations.Furthermore, an embodiment of the present invention may be connected toone or more remote computers via a network interface. The connection maybe over a local area network (LAN) wide area network (WAN), and caninclude all of the necessary circuitry for such a connection.

Typically, computer program instructions may be loaded onto the computeror other general purpose programmable machine to produce a specializedmachine, such that the instructions that execute on the computer orother programmable machine create means for implementing the functionsspecified in the block diagrams, schematic diagrams or flowcharts. Suchcomputer program instructions may also be stored in a computer-readablemedium that when loaded into a computer or other programmable machinecan direct the machine to function in a particular manner, such that theinstructions stored in the computer-readable medium produce an articleof manufacture including instruction means that implement the functionspecified in the block diagrams, schematic diagrams or flowcharts.

In addition, the computer program instructions may be loaded into acomputer or other programmable machine to cause a series of operationalsteps to be performed by the computer or other programmable machine toproduce a computer-implemented process, such that the instructions thatexecute on the computer or other programmable machine provide steps forimplementing the functions specified in the block diagram, schematicdiagram, flowchart block or step.

Accordingly, blocks or steps of the block diagram, flowchart or controlflow illustrations support combinations of means for performing thespecified functions, combinations of steps for performing the specifiedfunctions and program instruction means for performing the specifiedfunctions. It will also be understood that each block or step of theblock diagrams, schematic diagrams or flowcharts, as well ascombinations of blocks or steps, can be implemented by special purposehardware-based computer systems, or combinations of special purposehardware and computer instructions, that perform the specified functionsor steps.

As an example, provided for purposes of illustration only, a data inputsoftware tool of a search engine application can be a representativemeans for receiving a query including one or more search terms. Similarsoftware tools of applications, or implementations of embodiments of thepresent invention, can be means for performing the specified functions.For example, an embodiment of the present invention may include computersoftware for interfacing a processing element with a user-controlledinput device, such as a mouse, keyboard, touchscreen display, scanner,or the like. Similarly, an output of an embodiment of the presentinvention may include, for example, a combination of display software,video card hardware, and display hardware. A processing element mayinclude, for example, a controller or microprocessor, such as a centralprocessing unit (CPU), arithmetic logic unit (ALU), or control unit.

The many features and advantages of the invention are apparent from thedetailed specification, and thus, it is intended by the appended claimsto cover all such features and advantages of the invention which fallwithin the true spirit and scope of the invention. Further, sincenumerous modifications and variations will readily occur to thoseskilled in the art, it is not desired to limit the invention to theexact construction and operation illustrated and described, andaccordingly, all suitable modifications and equivalents may be resortedto, falling within the scope of the invention.

What is claimed is:
 1. A computer-implemented method of dynamicallyproducing a diagnostic test procedure sequence to diagnose a failuremode of a vehicle, comprising the steps of: selecting a first pluralityof diagnostic test procedures related to a symptom exhibited by thevehicle; arranging an order of the first plurality of diagnostic testprocedures based on a probabilistic failure mode analysis and timerequired to perform each of the first plurality of diagnostic testprocedures; formatting a step of a first diagnostic test procedure fromamong the first plurality of diagnostic test procedures for display on adisplay device; displaying the formatted step on the display device;arranging an order of a second plurality of diagnostic test procedures,which includes one of the diagnostic test procedures of the firstplurality of diagnostic test procedures, during execution of the firstplurality of diagnostic test procedures, and based on intermediatediagnostic test information obtained from execution of the firstdiagnostic test procedure; and displaying a step of a second diagnostictest procedure from among the second plurality of diagnostic testprocedures on the display device, wherein each of the above steps isperformed by a computer.
 2. The computer-implemented method of claim 1,wherein the step of formatting comprises preparing a graphical userinterface whereby a user performs direct manipulation of displayedgraphical representations of objects and symbols by way of an inputdevice.
 3. The computer-implemented method of claim 1, furthercomprising tracking a state of the vehicle.
 4. The computer-implementedmethod of claim 3, further comprising formatting a test preparation steprequired for the first diagnostic test procedure based on the trackedvehicle state for display on the display device.
 5. Thecomputer-implemented method of claim 1, further comprising generating aninteractive diagnostic schematic to illustrate the first diagnostic testprocedure.
 6. The computer-implemented method of claim 1, furthercomprising producing an information object based on the diagnostic testprocedure sequence.
 7. The computer-implemented method of claim 1,further comprising: receiving an input indicating that the failure modehas been diagnosed; and sending a failure mode identifier representingthe failure mode over a communication network to a central database. 8.The computer-implemented method of claim 1, further comprising:receiving failure mode historical data over a communication network froma central database; and updating the failure mode analysis based on thehistorical data.
 9. The computer implemented method of claim 8, whereinarranging the order of the second plurality of diagnostic testprocedures is based at least in part on the updated failure modeanalysis.
 10. A diagnostic tool for dynamically producing a diagnostictest sequence to diagnose a failure mode of a vehicle, comprising: anoptimizing module, including a processor and configured to arrange anorder of a first plurality of diagnostic test procedures based on aprobabilistic failure mode analysis and time required to perform each ofthe first plurality of diagnostic test procedures; a display device; anda display module configured to format a step of a first diagnostic testprocedure from among the first plurality of diagnostic test proceduresfor display on the display device; wherein the optimizing module isfurther configured to arrange an order of a second plurality ofdiagnostic test procedures, which includes one of the diagnostic testprocedures of the first plurality of diagnostic test procedures, duringexecution of the diagnostic test procedures, and based on intermediatediagnostic test information obtained from execution of the firstdiagnostic test procedure; and wherein the display module is furtherconfigured to format a step of a second diagnostic test procedure fromamong the second plurality of diagnostic test procedures for display onthe display device.
 11. The diagnostic tool of claim 10, furthercomprising: means for tracking a state of the vehicle; and means forformatting a test preparation step required for the first diagnostictest procedure based on the tracked vehicle state for display on thedisplay device.
 12. The diagnostic tool of claim 10, further comprisingmeans for generating an interactive diagnostic schematic to illustratethe first diagnostic test procedure.
 13. The diagnostic tool of claim10, further comprising means for producing an information object basedon the diagnostic test sequence.
 14. The diagnostic tool of claim 10,further comprising: means for receiving an input indicating that thefailure mode has been diagnosed; and means for sending a failure modeidentifier representing the failure mode over a communication network toa central database.
 15. The diagnostic tool of claim 10, furthercomprising: means for receiving failure mode historical data over acommunication network from a central database; and means for updatingthe failure mode analysis based on the historical data.
 16. A diagnostictool for dynamically producing a diagnostic test sequence to diagnose afailure mode of a vehicle, comprising: a sequencing module configured toarrange an order of a first plurality of diagnostic test proceduresbased on a probabilistic failure mode analysis and time required toperform each of the first plurality of diagnostic test procedures, andconfigured to arrange an order of a second plurality of diagnostic testprocedures, which includes one of the diagnostic test procedures of thefirst plurality of diagnostic test procedures, during execution of thediagnostic test procedures, and based on intermediate diagnostic testinformation obtained from execution of a first diagnostic test procedureincluded in the first plurality of diagnostic test procedures and acurrent vehicle test configuration; a display device; and a displaymodule configured to format a step of the first diagnostic testprocedure and to format a step of a second diagnostic test procedurefrom among the second plurality of diagnostic test procedures fordisplay on the display device.
 17. The diagnostic tool of claim 16,further comprising a state module configured to track a state of thevehicle, wherein the display module further formats a test preparationstep required for the first diagnostic test procedure based on thetracked vehicle state for display on the display device.
 18. Thediagnostic tool of claim 16, further comprising a schematic moduleconfigured to generate an interactive diagnostic schematic to illustratethe first diagnostic test procedure.
 19. The diagnostic tool of claim16, further comprising an object module configured to produce aninformation object based on the diagnostic test sequence.
 20. Thediagnostic tool of claim 16, further comprising: an input moduleconfigured to receive an input indicating that the failure mode has beendiagnosed; and a communication module configured to send a failure modeidentifier representing the failure mode over a communication network toa central database.
 21. The diagnostic tool of claim 16, furthercomprising: a history module configured to receive failure modehistorical data over a communication network from a central database;and an update module configured to update the failure mode analysisbased on the historical data.
 22. A computer-implemented method ofproducing a diagnostic test sequence to diagnose a failure mode of avehicle executed by a diagnostic tool, comprising: arranging an order ofa first plurality of diagnostic test procedures related to the failuremode identified for the vehicle, wherein arranging is based on astatistical probability information and time required to perform each ofthe first plurality of diagnostic test procedures; formatting a step ofa first diagnostic test procedure from among the plurality of diagnostictest procedures for display on a display device; displaying theformatted step on the display device; arranging an order of a secondplurality of diagnostic test procedures, which includes one of thediagnostic test procedures of the first plurality of diagnostic testprocedures, during execution of the diagnostic test procedures, andbased on intermediate diagnostic test information obtained fromexecution of the first diagnostic test procedure; and displaying a stepof a second diagnostic test procedure from among the second plurality ofdiagnostic test procedures on the display device, wherein each of theabove steps is performed by a computer.
 23. The method of claim 22,wherein the statistical probability information comprises aprobabilistic failure mode analysis based on historical outcomes ofactual diagnostic testing.
 24. The method of claim 22, wherein theintermediate diagnostic test information comprises information of aninterrelation of two or more symptoms.
 25. The method of claim 22,wherein the intermediate diagnostic test information comprises a resultof a particular diagnostic test procedure or a result of a combinationof diagnostic test procedures.
 26. The method of claim 22, wherein theintermediate diagnostic test information comprises new informationderived from a particular diagnostic test procedure when the diagnostictest procedure does not result in a final diagnosis.
 27. The method ofclaim 22, wherein arranging the order of the first plurality ofdiagnostic test procedures further comprises adding a new diagnostictest procedure to the first plurality of diagnostic test procedures, orremoving an existing diagnostic test procedure from the first pluralityof diagnostic test procedures.
 28. The method of claim 22, furthercomprising: tracking a current state of the vehicle during and betweendiagnostic test procedures; determining a set of preconditions orvehicle test configuration requirements necessary for an individualdiagnostic test procedure; and providing a diagnostic test preparationstep to reconfigure the vehicle between diagnostic test procedures. 29.The method of claim 22, further comprising analyzing comparative utilityamong diagnostic test procedures.